Re: Joel Sturgill (1884-1913) b. KY d. Wise Co VA

Thanks you for the terrific information regarding the parents of Joel Sturgill (1884-1913).After you listed their names, it enabled me to located them in the 1880 Wise Co VA census.

Have you ever heard any "family traditions" about the shooting of Joel by Bill Tutt?A few years ago, I interviewed my 97 year old uncle, a son-in-law of Bill Tutt, and with a clear mind he offered:Bill Tutt was in a bar in Wise Co and got into an arument with a local (Joel Sturgill).Joel left and the barkeep explained that he was leaving to get his gun.So, the bartender offered Bill Tutt his gun and when Joel returned Bill shot first.

He was eventually convicted on 2nd degree murder and received 6 years in a VA prison in 1913 where he served on a chain gang.( I have his prison photo and records).He later had a stroke and was pardoned by the governor.He died one year later in 1919.

Another family story claims he was with another man's wife when the incident occured.No proof to either of the above.

Bill Tutt was called "Bad Bill " Tutt in his hometown of Campton, Wolfe Co KY after he shot and killed a man known as "Bad" Bowen Rose.Thus, his name acquired the "bad" moniker.Bill was a doctor who attended what is now Louisville Med School along with his uncle - another Bill Tutt in 1890.Med school was then but a year in KY.

Bill's wife was shot and killed in 1908 by another woman leaving Bill with six, three and 8 month old children who were reared by the deceased (Fannie [Rose] Tutt's) brothers and sisters.

Sorry, didn't mean to bend your ear.If you are willing, I would like to have a picture of Joel's brother - Joshua Sturgill.I'd be more than happy to pay all expenses.Perhaps he is similar in appearance to Joel.